Middle River Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Girlfriend

A 61-year-old Middle River man pleaded guilty Monday to the 2011 murder of his girlfriend in the home they shared.

According to a news release from the , Sam Davis admitted he killed Jacqueline Denise Paul on April 4, 2011.

Baltimore County police said Davis stabbed Paul multiple times following an argument around 11 a.m. in their home at 355 Grovethorn Road. He then left the location before police found him in the city. that day, when Paul was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Prosecutors on Monday said that Davis "stabbed Paul on the side of her chest as she laid in bed" and later called friends to say he "harmed" her.

Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Finifter sentenced Davis to life in prison with all but 50 years suspended and 25 years must be served before he is eligible for parole, according to the state's attorney's office release.

The state's attorney's office reports that prior to his most recent conviction, Davis was convicted of two armed robberies in 1971, assault with intent to murder in 1978 and second degree murder in 1995. 

Davis had been released from prison for his last murder conviction on May 15, 2009.